SCOTT GIBBS returns to his roots tonight as the new Celtic League marks the start of a brave new world for Welsh rugby.

SCOTT GIBBS returns to his roots tonight as the new Celtic League marks the start of a brave new world for Welsh rugby.

The former British Lion began his glittering rugby career as a promising teenager with Neath way back in 1989.

Now 14 years later and and captain of the newly-formed Neath-Swansea Ospreys, Gibbs returns to take on Ulster at the Gnoll.

"This is a new start for everyone, including myself, but most importantly for Welsh rugby," he said. "There have been plenty of problems and there are plenty of people just waiting for it all to fail, but the truth is that regional rugby is here and now everyone has to just get behind it and make sure it works."

But Newport and Ebbw Vale are still struggling to reconcile their differences with the Gwent Dragons due to take on Llanelli tomorrow.

"I can't wait for this weekend because we can finally start talking about rugby rather than all the politics," said Dragons coach Mike Ruddock.